Central sleep apnea is associated with increased risk of ischemic stroke in the elderly

Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, 04/27/2012Munoz R et al.

Central sleep apnea (CSA) is the specific respiratory event associated with stroke in the elderly. Additionally, CSA could be a marker of silent brain ischemia, as a sign of disturbed regulation of central respiratory mechanisms, tentatively of ischemic origin.

Methods

Fully overnight polysomnography was performed at baseline.

Over the 6 year follow-up period, 20 ischemic strokes occurred.

Differences in stroke-free survival between subjects according to central apnea index (CAI) were assessed.